Our tale begins long ago, when Pyre was still little more than a drageen. Conchobar's ancestor was riding his horse near a loch, when the horse was frightened by a spriggan. The horse threw the young king of Kells into the loch and started to run off. Luckily, a young man, no older than the king, happened to pass by. The youth saved the King, who was extremely grateful. "You have saved my life," said the king, "Any reward you desire is yours." The young man said, "I seek no reward, save your friendship." "So be it," said the king. The young man saved the king, and then went after the horse. When he returned with the horse, the king told his new friend, "Although you desire no reward, I shall give you a landed title. There is a village and castle at the southern end of Kells, far from the Temra border, which I shall give you. You shall be the lord of that land, and it shall be named for you." The youth said, "My name is Erin." The king responded, "Thus, you shall be the Lord of Eire (er-ah)." And thus began a long friendship between the two families.
Over the years, the two families became even closer. On the day the young Prince Conchobar was born, a son was born to the reigning Lord of Eire. He was named Oron, and grew up as a close friend to Conchobar. When Conchobar became King, the only people closer to him than Oron were his druid, Cathbad, and his chief of guards, Torc. Oron was still a trusted advisor, second in trust only to Cathbad. Oron traveled with Conchobar when he went to negotiate with the King of Temra. While in Temra, Oron, who was married to a woman named Elian, was seduced by the beauty of the Princess Maeve. Oron had an affair with Maeve, which resulted in the birth of twin sons. One son bore the same birthmark as Maeve; the Mark of Destiny, the other son did not bear the mark. While the younger son, the one with The Mark was taken by Cathbad to be raised in the village near Kells Castle, Oron took the older son, to be raised as his heir, and he named his son Iain. Iain was never told of his birth mother, or his twin brother, and grew up believing that Elian was his mother. And, since she died of a broken heart when she found out about Oron's affair, Oron told his son his mother had died in childbirth.
Shortly after that, Conchobar's wife gave birth to a daughter, named Deirdre. Iain and Deirdre grew up as best of friends, closer than even Conchobar and Oron. One of Iain and Deirdre's favorite childhood games was the Knight and the Fairy. Iain was the knight, and Deirdre was the fairy who helped him when he slew the dragons and other beasts. Despite the fact that his father was the greatest warrior Kells had seen since Ballin, Iain was a scholarly youth, and couldn't even properly use a sling. Iain also had another problem; he always let Deirdre talk him into doing things he didn't want to. The only time this was beneficial was the day that Rohan and Angus unleashed the Curse upon Kells. By following their fathers to Temra, Iain and Deirdre were spared the effects of the curse. And of course, Conchobar and Oron learned of Torc's treachery. If there was one thing Oron couldn't stand, it was traitors.
When going into battle, Oron always carried a shield, which he had smithed especially for him. The shield bore the symbol of Kells, but was triangular, as opposed to the round shields used by the army of Kells. Oron felt this shield brought him luck in battle, and he never lost a battle whenever he carried it. Months after Torc's betrayal, he and Oron met on the battlefield, in the first major skirmish between Kells and Temra. That day, Kells was victorious, and Oron gave Torc a scar on his forehead, promising this, "I'll give you a matching scar into your heart if you show your traitorous hide in Kells again." And thus was born an animosity between Torc and Oron. Nine summers after Torc's betrayal, he led another assault on Kells. Oron rushed off to battle so hastily that he left his shield hanging above the hearth in Eire. As he and Torc met in one on one combat, Oron realized his forgotten shield, and that distraction was enough for Torc to deliver a fatal blow. Iain, who had mounted his loyal steed, Lugh, in order to bring his father his shield, arrived in time to see his father fall. With his dying breath, Oron told his son, "Iain, you are now the Lord of Eire. Do not meet your end as I did." Oron died in Iain's arms, never revealing to Iain the truth of his birth, or the existence of his twin.
With his father's death, Iain returned the shield to its place over the hearth, leaving it as a tribute to his fallen father. Oron's death also gave Temra an advantage, and Kells came close to surrender. Rohan was given until the summer solstice to find Draganta and save Kells. After Conchobar told Deirdre it was too dangerous for her to accompany Rohan, she stormed off. Iain followed her, as he usually did. While they had been best of friends since they were both four years old, over the past few years, Iain's feelings for Deirdre had changed somewhat. He no longer looked at her as just a friend, but as a beautiful young woman. Iain was falling in love with Deirdre, but didn't want to ruin their friendship by telling her. When Iain caught up with Deirdre, she told him, "Despite what Father said, I'm going to follow Rohan and Angus. You can either come with me, or stay here and promise not to tell anyone where I've gone." Iain replied, "For nearly fifteen years now, when you've snuck out of the castle, I've followed you. I see no reason to stop now."
Deirdre and Iain donned hooded cloaks, and used a secret passage to exit the castle and follow Rohan and Angus. By the time they caught up with them, they had been joined by Ivar, a prince from a land across the sea. Ivar had come to the island looking for a chalice, which had been stolen. At first, Rohan and the others thought that Iain and Deirdre were Temra spies, until their hoods were removed. It was shortly after Iain and Deirdre arrived that the entrance to Tir Na Nog was discovered. The five humans found themselves before Fin Varra, King of the Fairies. Fin Varra promised Rohan, Angus, Deirdre, and Ivar Mystic Weapons and Armor, if they could pass certain tests. Iain figured that he was not offered the same as the others for the simple reason that he lacked the skills of a warrior.
Deirdre and the others passed their tests and received their Mystic Weapons. Before the five humans left Tir Na Nog, Fin Varra told Iain, "When the time comes, you shall go from scholar to warrior overnight." Iain was unsure what Fin Varra meant, but was content to accompany the newly dubbed Mystic Knights on their quests to gain their armor. Iain began keeping records of the adventures of the Mystic Knights. Often times, Iain sat watching the Knights battling one of the creatures that Maeve would send forth, and Aideen, a fairy who became a companion to the Mystic Knights, would rest near him. Iain could tell that Aideen had the same sort of feelings for Rohan that he had for Deirdre. Aideen, however, felt that Deirdre and Rohan also had feelings for each other, and that made her jealous.
It was this jealousy that led Iain to finally declare to Deirdre his love for her. Aideen was tricked by Maeve; being given a potion, which she thought, would cause Rohan to lose interest in Deirdre. Instead, the potion turned Deirdre to stone, right in the middle of a Temra attack. The stone princess was pushed off the castle wall, landing safely in a pile of straw. Iain rushed from his observation point, where he was recording the battle on a scroll, to the pile of straw. Iain thought, "If she had shattered upon impact, my life would have become so empty." Once the spell was undone, and Deirdre was restored to normal, Iain knew it was time. That night, after dinner, Iain and Deirdre were strolling along the castle walls, under a full moon. Iain spoke, "Deirdre, seeing you in your petrified form earlier, made me realize how I would feel without you. Over the past few years, I've looked at you as more than a friend. I've fallen in love with you." Deirdre replied, "I'm so glad, for, I too, have fallen in love, with you."
The next night, Iain and Deirdre began their courtship. Conchobar was pleased that his daughter was so happy, yet he knew that she and Iain wouldn't be able to marry. After all, Deirdre had been arranged to marry a prince from an allied kingdom. But, he would not reveal that until it was time. Iain and Deirdre spent almost every waking hour together. When Cathbad needed some moss from the Emerald Spring, Iain went with Deirdre. If only Deirdre had known what the water of the spring did to humans. Iain, Deirdre, and Aideen went to seek help from Fin Varra, who, upon seeing the change in Deirdre, shrunk her to fairy size. Not wanting to offend the mystical monarch, Iain made no protest, even when Fin Varra began trying to impress her. When Fin Varra went to inspect fairy wings, Iain told Deirdre, "Play his little game, and mention sharing his gold." Iain knew that Fin Varra would not easily share his gold. Iain's plan worked, and Deirdre was restored to human size, in time to save Ivar from being digested by one of Mider's creations.
Shortly after that, Conchobar announced that Deirdre had been betrothed to Garret, prince of Regeth. Iain, who had been drinking fruit nectar at the time, spat it out in shock at the announcement. Deirdre objected to this, saying she could never marry someone she didn't know. Her objections became stronger, after meeting the proud and boastful Garret. She and the other Mystic Knights made him feel less than welcome in Kells. Iain feared the worst that Deirdre would be forced to marry this braggart, and he would return with her to his home kingdom. If that happened, Iain would lose his best friend and one true love. He wished he were even half the warrior that his father had been, so that he could challenge Garret for Deirdre's hand. Iain's wish would come true soon enough.
After Garret was bewitched by Maeve into betraying Kells and leading Temra's army, he exploited each Knight's weakness in order to obtain the Mystic Weapons. On this particular mission, Iain had chosen to carry a shield, though not his father's shield. As Garret began grabbing Mystic Weapons, Iain charged at Garret, shield first. Garret merely sidestepped, and told Iain, "You are less of a threat than a toad." That night, Iain returned to Eire, in hopes of seeking guidance from his father's spirit. The ghost of Oron did appear to Iain that night, but did more than provide guidance. Oron spoke, "My son, you wish to uphold our family honor, yet you lack the skills of a warrior. This night, you shall receive three gifts. The first gift," Oron continued, "will be warrior skills equal to my own. You shall be adept with all weapons, and be a master of unarmed combat. The second gift, is my shield. From this day forward, it shall be called The Shield of Kells. It is now a Mystic Shield, and shall protect any Kellsmen who stand behind it, so long as you hold it. The final gift," Oron said, "is your own Mystic Armor. To summon it, raise your shield into the air, and shout "For Kells."" With that, Oron's spirit left.
In the morning, Iain awoke, and discovered his father's shield was not hanging above the hearth, but was next to his bed. Iain raised the Shield of Kells above his head, and shouted out, "For Kells!" Just as his father had said, he was soon wearing a suit of armor, which was as green as most of Kells. Iain went to his father's armory, untouched since his father's death. Iain armed himself with a sword, a dagger, a crossbow, a long bow, and a morning star mace. After a quick morning meal, Iain mounted Lugh and returned to Kells. Had not the guards recognized Lugh, Iain would not have gained entrance with his armor on. Deirdre and the other knights were in the courtyard training as Iain entered. "Iain, is that you?" Deirdre asked. "Indeed, my love," Iain replied, before relating the story of his father's spirit giving him the three gifts. Deirdre took Iain to her father's throne room. After hearing Iain's tale, Conchobar spoke, "Your father was one of my best friends, and a fine warrior. I have no doubt that you shall be the key to regaining the Mystic Weapons." Iain replied, "Your majesty, I feel it would be best to keep my armor and skills a secret, revealing them only as a last resort."
Eventually, Garret was captured, Maeve's spell was broken, and the Mystic Weapons were recovered. Garret was taken to Tir Na Nog, where he passed the test to become the Forest Knight. From then on, Garret was no longer proud and boastful; he was as humble as Iain was. Iain, however, still worried that Garret would take Deirdre back to Regeth as his bride. Iain, with help from Ivar, convinced the king to have Ivar renegotiate the treaty. With Ivar as the neutral party, Deirdre and Garret reworked the treaty, with their betrothal no longer a requirement. Now that Deirdre was no longer promised to another, Iain resumed their courtship. When the drageen was brought into the castle, Iain kept his shield at the ready, in case of fire or other things. Iain watched Deirdre handle the drageen, and knew that she would be a good mother someday.
Soon, there was a truce between Kells and Temra. The Mystic Knights began to relax. Iain used this time to help the villagers of Eire, proving that he was a just and caring Lord. He returned to Kells, just before Conchobar asked Deirdre to play her harp. Iain had heard Deirdre play her harp many times before, but this was the first since their courtship began. When she finished, not only was Iain there, but Garret was there as well. Iain told Deirdre, "That music was beautiful, but nowhere as beautiful as you." Shortly there after, Rohan and Angus returned from Tir Na Nog with a shipwrecked princess, named Lynette. After the Mystic Knights, with help from Lynette, defeated a monster that Maeve did not send, Garret was chosen to escort Lynette back to her kingdom. Iain hoped that Garret, who still hoped that he and Deirdre might be betrothed someday, would fall in love with Lynette.
The battles between Kells and Temra continued, with Kells having the advantage, until Maeve went to visit her old teacher, Nimaine. When Maeve returned to Temra, a half-human, half-demon warrior named Lugad accompanied her. Lugad's strength was more than the Knights could handle. Rohan asked Fin Varra for assistance, but Fin Varra sent him to a mystic smith. After the smith gave Rohan some challenges, which Rohan easily passed, Rohan gained an armor enhancement called Battle Fury, which included a new weapon called the Dragon Torch. To counter the Battle Fury, Mider gave Maeve a vehicle called the Defender. Maeve had intended to Lugad to use it in battle, but Torc took it before Lugad could arrive. He soon lost the Defender to the Mystic Knights. Soon, Rohan discovered that Lugad was his half-brother. Lugad learned of kindness when Deirdre helped take a rock out of his hand; Lugad would be hesitant to harm her from then on. Rohan then learned something that shocked him; Maeve was his mother, Lugad's as well. That revelation left Rohan ready to leave the island.
As Rohan considered leaving, a nameless druid arrived on the island. He had once served the King of Temra, and had a name. Maeve, in a fit of rage over something the druid did, cast a spell, causing the druid, and everyone who knew him, to forget his name. The druid had been present at the birth of Maeve's twin sons, but promised Maeve he would never reveal to her sons who their twin brother was, in hopes of having his name restored. The druid headed to Eire, in hopes that Oron still lived. When he learned of Oron's death, the druid headed towards the castle. The druid would easily be able to enter the castle, for he was Cathbad's brother. When the druid was introduced to Iain, he presumed that Oron had told Iain the truth of his birth, and asked, "So, young Lord, how is your twin brother?" Iain replied, "I have no brother, twin or otherwise." Iain believed that the old druid was confused. The druid, however, was surprised that Oron had not told Iain about his brother.
At this point, Cathbad arrived. He was glad to see his nameless brother. The Nameless Druid asked, "Cathbad, dear brother, since Oron did not tell his son the truth, and, so long as Maeve lives, I will not tell the truth in hopes of regaining my name, could you tell the young lord the truth of his birth?" Cathbad agreed, and took Iain to his chamber, where the truth was revealed. Iain was shocked that his father had lied to him, but shocked more so that Maeve was his mother. Iain went to Deirdre's chamber, to tell her what he just learned. Deirdre replied, "I wonder if Father knew about this?" In fact, Conchobar knew nothing of Oron's affair with Maeve. Oron had purposely concealed his affair, and the truth of Iain's birth, so that Iain would not be tempted to join with his mother against Kells. Of course, Iain could never fight against Kells, or the woman he loves.
A few days later, Garret returned to the island, and brought with him two gifts from Lynette's father. The first gift was The Dragon Bow, a fighting vehicle as marvelous as the Defender. The second gift was the Elixir of Vitality, which would soon prove useful. Maeve had taken Kells Castle, and Rohan was mortally wounded in battle. Iain wished he had told him of their relationship. As the Mystic Knights, Cathbad, and Conchobar, hiding in Angus and Rohan's hut, stood over Rohan's dying body, Deirdre cried about how she never told him how she felt. Iain wondered, was Aideen right? Did Deirdre have some feelings for Rohan, as well as her feelings towards Iain? After Cathbad revived Rohan with the Elixir, Iain took Deirdre to a nearby hut, which had been vacated by its owner when Maeve conquered the castle. Iain asked her, "When you said you never told Rohan how you felt, what did you mean?" Deirdre replied, "I don't know. I guess I saw him lying there, and thought it could have been you." Iain said, "But you have told me how you feel about me, the same night I admitted my love for you."
Soon, after a great battle, Maeve was defeated and to be banished from the island. Before Angus and Pyre took her to her exile on a small, nearby island, Iain told her, Rohan, and Lugad what he had learned. Maeve asked, "If you had learned the truth earlier, would you have joined me, Iain?" "No, Mother," Iain said, "You may have given birth to me, but I consider the late Lady Elian my mother. And besides, nothing would turn me against my one true love."
That night, there was a lavish victory celebration. While they knew that Nimaine, who had allied herself with Mider, still posed a threat, they felt that celebrating Maeve's defeat was worth letting their guard down. As the people of Kells rejoiced, Iain saw how beautiful Deirdre was in her new gown, one she had been saving for such a special occasion. As they danced, Iain whispered to her, "I want you to be my bride." Deirdre was pleasantly surprised, and her smile told Iain she wanted to marry him. As the victory feast was served, Iain stood up. "My king," Iain said, "As we celebrate our victory over Temra, I wish to give Kells something else to celebrate. And so, in front of nearly the entire kingdom, I ask for your daughter's hand in marriage." Conchobar looked at Deirdre, and how she smiled as Iain spoke. "Iain," Conchobar said, "I know how happy you and Deirdre are together, and I cannot think of a finer man in all of Kells than you. You and Deirdre shall be wed tomorrow night."
Iain was shocked, for he had not expected the wedding to be so soon. With Deirdre's blessing, he and Rohan rode to Eire, to prepare for the ceremony. That night, Rohan finally met his father, as Oron visited his sons in their dreams. Oron told Iain, "I only wish I were still alive to be at your wedding, but I shall witness it in spirit." He then explained to Iain why he never told him the truth about his birth, and Iain, who had been angry with his father ever since Cathbad told him the truth, forgave him. As for Rohan, Oron told him that he was proud that he fulfilled the prophecy of the ancient scroll, and wished him well in whatever the future brought him.
In the morning, Iain dressed in his finest clothes, the same outfit Oron wore when he married Elian. Iain then gave Rohan a fine outfit, for Rohan would be his best man. Soon, Lugh and Rohan's horse were hitched to a coach. One of Iain's loyal servants drove the coach back to Kells, where everything was ready for the ceremony. Per tradition, Iain would not see Deirdre until the ceremony. And, since Conchobar had to officiate the ceremony, Cathbad was asked to give Deirdre away.
Finally, the hour arrived. Most of the kingdom had gathered to witness the ceremony. Angus, Ivar, and Garret were wearing their armor, ready to salute the happy couple. And then, at the far end of the courtyard, Cathbad and Deirdre appeared. Deirdre was wearing the same gown her mother wore when she married Conchobar. As he looked at his daughter, Conchobar realized how much she looked like her mother. Iain was breathless at the sight of her. As
Cathbad gave Deirdre to Iain, Iain told her, "Never have you looked lovelier." The King performed the ceremony according to tradition, praising Dagda and Lugh many times. Finally, he pronounced Iain and Deirdre and man and wife. They kissed, and then headed to Iain's coach, to spend their wedding night in Eire. As they ran up the aisle towards the waiting coach, Angus, Ivar and Garret raised their swords in tribute. Before entering the coach, Deirdre tossed her bouquet. Surprisingly, Aideen caught it. Unseen by all but Iain, Aideen looked towards Rohan after catching it. As the carriage left for Eire, Iain wondered what the future held for Kells.
